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Lydgate House Hotel Postbridge Dartmoor SOLD - 22nd November 2010

A substantial and attractive detached property, the Lydgate House Hotel at Postbridge on Dartmoor, boasts spectacular views over the Dartmoor National Park. With 7 well appointed and individual en-suite letting rooms the business has recently been sold by licensed and hotel property specialists Stonesmith of Exeter.

Previously owned by Anna and Douglas Geikie, the new owners are experienced operators Karen and Stephen Horn from Cheriton Bishop. Karen is a highly experienced chef and Stephen has worked in the hotel and licensed business for many years. Together they previously ran The Old Thatch at Cheriton Bishop 7 years ago.

Karen and Stephen were attracted to the Lydgate House Hotel by its stunning location and beautiful layout. They are continuing to run the hotel where Anna and Douglas left off but in the future they are looking to open the restaurant up to non residents and to re-introduce afternoon teas. All of the information will be available on their web site www.lydgatehouse.co.uk

The hotel prides itself on having an established reputation for the quality of its accommodation and service and as such benefits from excellent levels of repeat business, which Karen and Stephen will continue and build on. Where as the hotel was previously run as a lifestyle business and operated 11 months of the year, Karen and Stephen will be fully hands on and open throughout the year. They will offer bed and breakfast accommodation with the option of two or three course evening meals, with the emphasis on home cooking and local produce.

As a mark of the success of the business, it has been selected by the Good Hotel guide and is featured in the Michelin Guide and Alistair Sawday’s Special Places to stay.

Lydgate House Hotel is in an enviable location with outstanding views across the surrounding countryside and the Dartmoor National Park. It is situated in the village of Postbridge, 8 miles from Moretonhampstead and 12 miles from Tavistock. Postbridge is famous for its clapper bridge and a popular year round tourist destination.

A Victorian building, with origins dating back to the early 1900’s, it has over the past 8 years been substantially refurbished and is now beautifully furnished and presented to a high standard throughout. The accommodation briefly provides 7 en-suite letting rooms, a guests lounge and bar, conservatory dining room, fully equipped kitchen, self contained owners accommodation with 3 bedrooms, 2 shower rooms and a lounge.

Externally the property stands in 36 acres of land with its own private valley, woodland, pastureland and paddocks. There are formal gardens surrounding the property including a large decked area and adjoining sun terrace with a purpose built barbecue. The sale also included 3 barns which have planning for conversion into further owners accommodation, luxury letting suites or conference facilities.

Mike Phillips of selling agents Stonesmith commented that “as with the majority of businesses within the Dartmoor National Park, Lydgate House Hotel was a favourable Duchy of Cornwall lease. This is the second Duchy lease that Stonesmith have recently sold, having sold the East Dart at Postbridge earlier in the summer. We wish Stephen and Karen luck with their new venture and this sale confirms that there is still an appetite for high quality manageable hotel opportunities throughout the South West”.